Third-year NBA player AJ Griffin will give up professional basketball to serve full-time.
Just before the 2024-25 NBA season, Griffin announced on his YouTube page that he was stepping away from basketball after reaching a waiver agreement with the Houston Rockets.
“I quit basketball to follow Jesus. I know that… It looks like a loss in the eyes of the world, but I want to let you all know that I am so excited to truly serve God. I just want to tell you,” Griffin said. I said “Yes'' with all my might. ”
“Giving up basketball gave me the opportunity to go into full-time ministry and truly serve the Lord with my heart and all of my time,” Griffin continued.
CBS Sports According to reports, Griffin has agreed to a $250,000 buyout with the Rockets as part of an agreement that will keep him out for a season while he decides whether to continue playing. He was traded from the Atlanta Hawks to the Rockets over the summer.
“Jesus, He is the only one who can fill you. He is the only one who can give you purpose.”
According to spot rackGriffin signed a four-year, $17.1 million contract with the Hawks in 2022, with an average annual salary of $4.276 million.
His contract also states that he is fully guaranteed, so it remains unclear whether there was a clause in his contract that would allow him to be paid if he retires. Sports Illustrated reported that Griffin “officially“I'm retiring.
If that's true, Griffin won't be eligible to play in the NBA. pension systemoffers monthly payments to players with at least three years of service.
“This really has to start with me giving my life to Christ in 2020,” Griffin said in his book. video. “That's when I really accepted him. He found me. I know we say we find God, but God found us. …It was the best decision of my life.”
Griffin went on to say: “Jesus, He is the only one who can fill you. He is the only one who can give you purpose. I feel like it.”
Griffin averaged 7.5 points per game in his 92-game career, but played in just 20 games with the Hawks in 2023-2024.
His playing time per game decreased by 11 minutes, and his average points dropped significantly.
The 21-year-old said he hopes his video inspires others not to live in fear of dedicating their lives to God.
“Don't worry about the outside noise. Focus on your personal relationship with Jesus, and everything else will add up.”
Griffin is the son of Adrian Griffin, a great player who played in the NBA for nine years.
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